Job 38:3

Authorized King James Version

Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱזָר
Gird up
to belt
#2
נָ֣א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#3
כְגֶ֣בֶר
like a man
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
#4
חֲלָצֶ֑יךָ
now thy loins
the loins (as the seat of vigor)
#5
וְ֝אֶשְׁאָלְךָ֗
for I will demand
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#6
וְהוֹדִיעֵֽנִי׃
of thee and answer
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection